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Funded influenza vaccine to be available from pharmacies

PHARMAC has decided to approve changes to the Pharmaceutical Schedule to enable funded influenza vaccine (flu vaccine) to be given to people 65 years and older, and pregnant women in community pharmacies.

From 1 April 2017, people 65 years and over and pregnant women have the option of getting a funded flu vaccine from their general practice or their community pharmacy.

While there are other people who are eligible to receive funded flu vaccine such as people with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes, they will still need to go to their general practitioner to get their flu vaccine.

There will be no change to vaccines given by general practice.

The changes provide DHBs with the option of enabling pharmacies to claim funded vaccines where they have appropriate integrated care arrangements. These pharmacies will be able to claim an administration fee and funded vaccine for eligible people (people 65 years and over and pregnant women).